Best Christian Colleges in DC 2025

Badge for BEST IN DC CHRISTIAN COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Key Takeaways

  • The four Christian colleges in our ranking have small student bodies and more opportunity to interact with faculty.
  • Attending a Christian college in DC allows students to learn about and practice their faith while receiving an excellent education.
  • Students studying at a Christian college in DC are still eligible for financial aid as long as the school is regionally accredited.

Best Christian Colleges in DC in 2025

  1. Georgetown University
  2. American University
  3. Catholic University of America
  4. Trinity Washington University

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

There were no changes in our 2025 ranking of the best Christian colleges in Washington, DC. Georgetown University remains in the top spot this year.

Georgetown University has strengthened its commitment to service-learning programs that align with its Jesuit values, fostering opportunities for students to engage in community outreach and ethical leadership development. Additionally, it has enhanced campus ministries and faith-based student organizations, offering more resources for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship.

students studying and discussing the Bible together

Best Christian Colleges in DC

In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities in Washington, DC, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.

  1. #1

    Georgetown University

    Washington , DC
    #2 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #17 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #18 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #18 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

    Cost of Degree: $65,081
    Expenses: $23,660
    Starting Salary: $125,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit school in the United States, was founded by John Carroll and coincided with the birth of the nation. Today, Georgetown University has become a major international research university that has a hospital, nine schools, and several highly-ranked academic programs. What’s more, it values social justice and service for others, engaging students in addressing some of the most pressing issues in the nation and the rest of the world today.

    What we love about Georgetown University:

    At Georgetown University, students become people for others because the school provides opportunities for service at its Jesuit-inspired Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service.

    Georgetown University is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for an education for the mind and heart through research, interactions, and studies.

    Georgetown University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not as interested in spiritual and ethical growth.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    American University

    Washington , DC
    #7 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in DC 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/30

    Career Outlook for degree at American University

    Cost of Degree: $56,543
    Expenses: $19,632
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    American University is a private, coeducational academic institution classified as an R2 Institution. It is a Methodist college founded by John Fletcher Hurst, a well-respected bishop who dreamt of building a university that develops individuals to become public servants. Ever since it was chartered by Congress in 1893, AU has always been a leader in higher education here in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

    What we love about American University:

    We love that American University continuously gains high national rankings, merit awards, and prestigious national scholarships and fellowships.

    American University is ideal for students who:

    Wish to study at a top Christian school that encourages students to learn, research, and work to ignite positive change in the community and the world.

    American University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t interested in inclusive policies and scholarships that address racism.

    Compare school
    3. three students looking at the Bible together while sitting around a table
  4. #3

    The Catholic University of America

    Washington , DC
    #13 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in DC 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at The Catholic University of America

    Cost of Degree: $55,834
    Expenses: $21,950
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The Catholic University of America is a national research university founded by bishops and chartered by Pope Leo XIII. It continues to live out its mission to impart the truth through excellent quality research and learning. Through this, CU graduates go on to embrace both faith and reason as they apply the resources of the Catholic intellectual tradition for cultural enrichment.

    What we love about The Catholic University of America:

    The Catholic University of America offers innovative programs and holds an array of recognitions, rankings, and other honors.

    The Catholic University of America is ideal for students who:

    Are looking to study in a Christian school with a welcoming community based upon the church’s teachings.

    The Catholic University of America might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t like a school with a teaching that is faithfully Catholic and conforms to the creed of the Church.

    Compare school
  5. #4

    Trinity Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #4 Best Small Colleges in DC 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024 #8 Best Colleges in DC 2024 #18 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $26K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $26,110
    Expenses: $15,190
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Trinity Washington University is a well-known university founded in 1897. It was the first Catholic liberal arts college for women in the nation. Today, it is known for providing higher education to low-income students of color and for its Carnegie Corporation Award for Academic Excellence recognition. It has received significant grants from the Cafritz Foundation, Sloan Foundation, Clark Foundation, and other funders.

    What we love about Trinity Washington University:

    We love that Trinity Washington University has a commitment to the education of women through the design and pedagogy of the historic women’s college and by promoting principles of equity, honor, and justice.

    Trinity Washington University is ideal for students who:

    Dream of studying at a university that is committed to providing a liberal arts foundation in the undergraduate degree programs that emphasize knowledge, skills, and values.

    Trinity Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Might want a more research-heavy undergraduate experience.

    Compare school
a group of students praying together

Student Submitted Questions about Christian Colleges in Washington, DC

Will I receive the same quality of education in a Christian college that I would receive at a traditional secular four-year school?

Each of the Christian colleges in this ranking are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSCHE is an institutional accreditor, which ensures that students receive a quality higher education.

Can I apply for financial aid when I attend a Christian college in DC?

Yes, as long as the college is accredited through the MSCHE, regardless of its religious affiliation, students can apply to receive financial aid. For more information on how to apply, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Can I attend a Christian college in DC even if I am not a Christian?

There are many religiously-affiliate colleges that accept students who do not profess any faith. However, it is always a good idea to contact the admissions department at the college to discuss.

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